NUCLEAR ENGINEERING Degree Program Profile

Basic Information

Qualification awarded

Laurea Magistrale Degree in NUCLEAR ENGINEERING

Qualification Type/Level

EHEA Second Cycle; EQF level7

Number of Years/credits

2 years; 120 ECTS

Mode of Study

Full-Time/Part-Time*

*All Degree Programmes are planned and organised for full-time
students. It is possible, however (without special arrangements), to proceed
through the course of study at one's own rhythm. This makes it possible, if
necessary, to accommodate employment or other non-university activities or
obligations.

Language of Teaching

Admission Requirements

Formal Requirements

Italian First cycle qualification (Laurea) or foreign equivalent in the same or related subject area, with possible extra work if required competences are lacking.

Possible assessment prior knowledge and competences

Assessment of competences acquired in First Cycle studies in related or un-related subject areas to determine admission by Degree Programme Council with possible assignment of extra work to be done before admission.

Required knowledge and competences support programmes

Students whose curricula show lacuna may need to take extra first cycle course units before admission.

General Information

Programme Profile

The Degree Programme in Nuclear Engineering inherits the long tradition of studies carried out in this field at the University of Pisa, dated back to the 1950s, whose excellence has had national and international recognition. The studies are characterised by a specific attention to nuclear safety and innovation, as testified by the research activities carried out by the present course teachers. The promotion of safety culture, embedded in the professional background of any nuclear engineer, is a specific target of the course; this culture is a key issue in any industrial field relevant for the safety and protection of people and of the environment.
The studies in Nuclear Engineering in Pisa allow to be introduced in a pretty international environment, owing to the several contacts that the course teachers have with national and international actors in the field and to their involvement in European and International Projects. This allows a rich educational offer, integrated with seminars, by ex-Alumni working in different Countries and by internationally renowned scientists, short courses and many opportunities for performing the degree thesis abroad at prestigious institutions. The participation of the University of Pisa in the European Nuclear Education Network (ENEN) through the Italian CIRTEN Consortium is a further important aspect in this regard.
The degree course has its own webpage (http://younuclear.ing.unipi.it) and a Facebook page (Studiare Ingegneria Nucleare a Pisa - Nuclear Engineering Studies in Pisa) that are used to keep lively the interaction with students and the public at large.

Key Learning Outcomes

The Graduates of the MSc Programme in Nuclear Engineering will be able to demonstrate:
- deep knowledge and understanding in the important matters internationally recognised as the pillars of nuclear engineering, as Nuclear Power Plant Technology and Reactor Engineering, Reactor Physics, Nuclear Thermal Hydraulics, Safety and Reliability of Nuclear Facilities, Reactor Engineering Materials, Radiology and Radiation Protection, Nuclear Fuel Cycle, Mechanical Design of Nuclear Plants;
- familiarity with some of the most widespread computational tools for the design and the safety analysis of nuclear power plants;
- a specific safety-oriented attitude in carrying out their work.
Owing to this thorough background, many Nuclear Engineers from the University of Pisa received the certification of European Master of Science in Nuclear Engineering (EMSNE) released by the European Nuclear Education Network (ENEN) Association.

Occupational Profile/s of Graduates

The Graduates of the MSc Programme in Nuclear Engineering can be employed in the nuclear and non-nuclear industry, in State Bodies, as well as in research and teaching institutions with the following profiles:
- Nuclear / Industrial Engineer with broad competences (design, construction, product innovation, risk assessment, safety analyst, management of large enterprises, etc.)
- Researcher / Teacher
- Officer / Public Servant
- Professional / Consultant

Access to further study

The Laurea Magistrale degree in NUCLEAR ENGINEERING allows the graduate to compete for entry into a Third Cycle programme/doctoral school.

Assessment methods, examination regulations, and grading

Assessment is normally by means of an oral or written examination; in some cases there are intermediate exams during the course; other elements (participation in discussion, written or oral reports, comment of texts etc. ) are foreseen in specific course units and are described in the Course Unit Profiles.
The grading system for the course units consists of 30 possible points, plus 'lode' (cum laude) in case of excellence. Marks are given by the lecturer on the basis of performance as ascertained in a public examination by a board of at least two teachers. Main exam sessions are held in June/July; September; and January; students may resit exams**.
Actual grading curves differ in different degree programmes. The University of Pisa provides an ECTS Grading Table, which shows the actual distribution, of examination and final grades among students of each degree programme, in order to facilitate comparison with other grading systems. ---> Link to ECTS Grading Table
An overall mark is given on occasion of the 'Final Exam', when a written research text is presented and discussed. The final overall mark is calculated on the results of the marks obtained in the single course units and the final exam, and is based on 110 possible points, with the possible further mention of honours ("lode" or cum laude).

**The exam sessions are organised in sessions (the dates vary according to
the Department and are published in the Department's academic calendar). In
each session there are a certain number of 'appelli' [calls], or dates on
which the examination for each course unit may be taken. The 'appelli' are
fixed by the teacher. The student chooses which of the appelli he or she
wishes to respond to. In most cases it is obligatory to sign up before the
specified date.

Requirements (regulations) to obtain the qualification

The learner must complete the curriculum/one of the 'curricula' (tracks) as described in the Table below. This includes obligatory and elective course units and other activities for a
total of 120 credits.

The final dissertation, to which 24 to 30 ECTS are allocated, must testify for an in depth analysis of one or more of the aspects involved in the studied matters, showing originality and capability to contribute with own ideas to the nuclear technology an